The Paris Traveler

Place des Vosges

by Lynn on June 1st, 2007

Someone asked me yesterday where they could find a place in Paris that had everything close by. I responded, “Do you mean like a mall?!” What they were looking for was a place where you could shop, eat, visit a museum, and sit outside without walking all over Paris to do it.

I had just the place for them! No don’t worry, I didn’t tell them that the Place des Vosges, which happens to be the oldest square in Paris, was a shopping mall! It is not! But…it does have places to shop, a number of art galleries for everyone’s taste to wander around in, a museum to visit, a park where you can sit outside, several cafés and restaurants to eat in, and free entertainment by musicians performing under the arches. Whew! The Place des Vosges really does have it all!

I’m not sure if I should mention this, but this square also has one of my favorite boutiques in Paris for buying kitsch jewelry. It’s literally a little hole in the wall! (Two people plus the owner is all you can fit in it at one time!) What’s great about this boutique is the prices are so cheap, you can’t help but come out of there with stuff you don’t need! (What did I say about bargains on my Les Puces de Paris blog?!) “So, where is this shop?” you ask. Let me just say this; you can miss it entirely if you don’t have your eyes peeled, and since I don’t want him raising prices, ….hmm, I’ll just let you hunt it down on your own! (Honestly, it’s right on the square and if you’re looking for it; you can’t miss it! If you’re not looking for it; chances are you will!)

For all Victor Hugo fans, the Victor Hugo House museum is a must visit. Hugo lived in the Hotel de Rohan Guéménée for sixteen years from 1832 until 1848 and wrote a number of his major works here. You’ll also find manuscripts and first editions, paintings and sculptures in homage to the famous writer, and you can tour his apartment as well.  The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10h to 18h.  Closed Mondays and holidays.  Admission is free.  Special showings at certain times do have an entrance charge which varies according to the particular exhibit.

As you’ll see, the Place des Vosges really is a great place to just hang out for the day!

MAISON DE VICTOR HUGO
Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée
6, Place des Vosges
Paris 4
Metro: St. Paul or Bastille
Buses: 20, 29, 65, 69, 76, 96
tel: 01.42.72.10.16

Photo Credits: Flickr

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POSTED IN: Art & Art Galleries, Family Fun, Fun & Quirky Places, Great Places To Unwind, Great Walks, History & Information, Museums, Must See, Outdoor Activites, Shopping, Things To See & Do, Tours - Guided Or Self-Guided, Travel Tips